ABUJA- Chief Moji Makanjuola, ace broadcast journalist and Executive Diector, International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH) has called for support for women-led journalism projects.
Makanjoula made the call in her paper presentation on ‘’Changing the Narrative: Women Empowering Women in Media’’ in Abuja.
She said current reality is that in spite of the progress made by women, they still remained underrepresented in the media.
‘’Studies shows that men dominate speaking roles in the news coverage, directing credits in films, and editorial decision-making position.
‘’Even when women appear, they are often portrayed through narrow stereotypes; the caregiver, the beauty, the victim.
‘’Behind the scene, leadership positions remain disproportionately male. So the question is who tells our stories, and who decides what stories are worthtelling?,’’ she said.
Makanjuola also noted that media doesn’t just reflect society, as it creates it.
According to her, when women’s stories are ignored or simplified, society learns to underestimate women. When our perspectives are missing from headlines, policies, and portrayals, inequality grows quietly in the background.
However, when women’s voices lead, the media becomes richer, more truthful and more just.’’
She added that women Journalist were not just reporters, but ‘’change makers’’.
‘’As women journalist, we are the gatekeepers of truth, narrators of culture, and defenders of democracy.
‘’We have the power to spotlight women’s issues often ignored in mainstream media, challenge gender stereotypes through our reporting, support other women in the newsroom and mentor and uplift emerging female journalist.
‘’The stories we choose to tell can open doors for countless others,’’she said.
Makanjuola also called on women journalists to pay attention to their kind by telling their stories and supporting their work.
She said this was not about exclusion, but inclusion, adding that ‘’paying attention to our own kind means recognising the struggles, brilliance and resilience of women everywhere; in politics, business, science, sports and everyday life.
‘’Every time you choose to feature a woman’s story, you are building a bridge for someone else to walk across. That’s how change begins – One story at a time,’’said.
The ISMPH executive director further said that though changes were visible, more needs to be done.
‘’From the #Me Too Movement to women-led platforms, the world is starting to listen. But the representation isn’t just about numbers, it’s about authenticity.
‘’We need women of all backgrounds, ages, and identities shaping narratives, not just being part of them. Our diversity is our Strength, and the newsroom should reflect that,’’ she stressed.
She therefore called on women journalists to tell more women’s stories, support women-led journalism projects as well as mentor and sponsor younger female reporters.
Makanjuola further urged women journalists to challenge the bias in coverage, language, and newsroom culture, celebrate women’s successes loudly and publicly.
“We all have roles to play as reporters, editors, producers and storytellers. Change doesn’t come from one big action; it comes from small, consistent acts of solidarity and awareness.
‘’Let’s make sure that when the next generation of journalists look around, they see women everywhere, reporting, editing, producing, leading and inspiring,” she said . (NAN)
